Makgadikgadi Salt Pan
Makgadikgadi Salt Pan
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
242 reviews
Excellent
170
Very good
45
Average
20
Poor
5
Terrible
2
Natalie M
London, UK96 contributions
Mar 2020
We have booked a trip to Makgadikgadi Salt Pan with Pastor Maswanganyi from Swangs safaris as a part of our 10 day tour from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls. In the program we were promised ‘the opportunity to spend some time in the company of the local meerkat colony’. When we have arrived to Nata lodge from where our tour should start, we were told by the local guide that we will not see the meerkat colony, because it’s 500 km away, and we will not see the sunset, which is Nata speciality, also, because the time the tour was booked for was too early.
We have learnt a bitter lesson not to trust tour organisers and check everything. Now we also know that we need to go to Planet Baobab to see the meerkats of Makgadikgadi Salt Pan, which we will definitely do during our next trip to Botswana!
We have learnt a bitter lesson not to trust tour organisers and check everything. Now we also know that we need to go to Planet Baobab to see the meerkats of Makgadikgadi Salt Pan, which we will definitely do during our next trip to Botswana!
Written March 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerald
Gaborone, Botswana4 contributions
May 2021 • Family
I actually stopped at a nearby lodge on route north to show my family the pans. Nature is predictable so the fact that the pans were very full and very little opportunity to actually get close to them is nobody’s fault. But it was the case. We had no place to park or just sit and enjoy the pans. No birds in sight.
The disappointment was that we were told at the gate that a lot of “locals” were inside. There was one look out point and there were probably 50 people there. It was a massive party of people falling over themselves with bottles of alcohol in hand. It was such a disappointment as we were made to feel unwelcome and unsafe. We left. So in and out of the pans in less than an hour. P300 poorer and we can claim we have seen Sowa Pan. Not a pleasant experience at all.
We saw some Wildebeest, which you can see anywhere.
I will never go back to the Bird Sanctuary, but if you go, then go in the week as I assume weekends are reserved for parties.
Last I was there it was February 2019, less summer rain and in the week. Lots less people, less water and a lot more birds.
The disappointment was that we were told at the gate that a lot of “locals” were inside. There was one look out point and there were probably 50 people there. It was a massive party of people falling over themselves with bottles of alcohol in hand. It was such a disappointment as we were made to feel unwelcome and unsafe. We left. So in and out of the pans in less than an hour. P300 poorer and we can claim we have seen Sowa Pan. Not a pleasant experience at all.
We saw some Wildebeest, which you can see anywhere.
I will never go back to the Bird Sanctuary, but if you go, then go in the week as I assume weekends are reserved for parties.
Last I was there it was February 2019, less summer rain and in the week. Lots less people, less water and a lot more birds.
Written June 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mumma&Co
Timaru, New Zealand7,036 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
We came here as part of our Intrepid group tour & it was really good! It was the dry season so not as much animal & bird life but just the vast expanse of the salt pans was amazing. We enjoyed a complimentary drink as the sun went down, loved it!
Written September 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
monicasteinolson
Frankfurt (Oder), Germany5 contributions
Sep 2021
ISAAC is a remarkable guide. He knows the animals and the stars. incredible evening. We had stayed in Le Too le Tau and safaried out to the salt pan. Incredible evening of food, music, and stars.
Written September 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheTrailingSpouse
Edinburgh, UK160 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
The book is deceptive on where the Salt Pan is from the north. A bit of bad planning on our part admittedly meant we couldn't visit the Pan itself but went game viewing within the national park. This needs planning and don't believe the books.
Written November 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bobdec7
Citrus Hills, FL39 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
The view on the salt pans was breathtaking with a fabulous sunset. Never forget having a 360 degree view of the earth
Written November 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ErikKraft
Townsville, Australia201 contributions
Sep 2016 • Friends
We only did a afternoon drive to the western part of the pans, but the amount of wildlife seen in only 4-5 hours, completely blew our minds…
It wasn’t a question about: Which way to go, to try to find some animals! It was more about: Which animals do we want to see!? Because everything was so concentrated around the river – Girafs, wilderbeasts, zebras and elephants and all of them, in massive herds!
Even National Geografic was there, filming a new documentary of the area!
It’s so easy accessible, so there’s not a single reason for not to go there!
It wasn’t a question about: Which way to go, to try to find some animals! It was more about: Which animals do we want to see!? Because everything was so concentrated around the river – Girafs, wilderbeasts, zebras and elephants and all of them, in massive herds!
Even National Geografic was there, filming a new documentary of the area!
It’s so easy accessible, so there’s not a single reason for not to go there!
Written October 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve2826
Otley, UK146 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Our travel agents booked through Gweta Lodge, which was where we set off from. We stopped a couple of times on route to look at boabao trees, termite mounds and meerkats. All were interesting but nothing compared to the pan.
It was the most surreal experience. Sat there in the vast nothingness, waiting for the sunset sipping a beer. There were just three of us and a staff of 4! so we really felt we had a vast area to ourselves. I think it would be different with a bigger group (certainly noiseier). Sleeping without a tent under big african skies was truly memorable. I have never seen as many stars.
If you are anywhere near this part of Botswana go on a trip that lets you sleep on the pan (not all do). It was worth every penny.
It was the most surreal experience. Sat there in the vast nothingness, waiting for the sunset sipping a beer. There were just three of us and a staff of 4! so we really felt we had a vast area to ourselves. I think it would be different with a bigger group (certainly noiseier). Sleeping without a tent under big african skies was truly memorable. I have never seen as many stars.
If you are anywhere near this part of Botswana go on a trip that lets you sleep on the pan (not all do). It was worth every penny.
Written April 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aphrodite garnier
Paris, France20 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
Our day at the salt pans was amazing! In the morning we had hot drinks on the edge of it. In the afternoon we had a quad bike experience of the salt pan. On we stopped for a blindfolded game and drinks. It was beautiful!
Written January 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jac222018
Boston, MA28 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
We booked our overnight excursion to the Salt Pans through the Gweta Lodge. The Gweta Lodge is a beautiful place. In the afternoon we were driven to the salt pans in a game drive vehicle. On the way we stopped at a massive Baobab Tree and also got to stop and watch the meerkats. The guides dropped us off on the edge of the pan and we walked to our camp site - it's like walking on the moon. The guides built us a fire and prepared dinner. We got a sleep on mattresses directly on the pans - without tents - so we could see the stars all night. In the morning the staff prepared breakfast and afterwards we drove back to the Gweta Lodge. It is definitely one of the best things I did in Botswana - would highly recommend.
Written June 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hi guys, i have read that you need to book accomodation in a lot of Botswana's national park in order to be allowed to visit/enter.
Can you visit Makgadikgadi Salt Pan as a day trip from Gweta without overnighting at Makgadikgadi or Nxai?
Written August 14, 2018
Hi, how did you arrange this trip to the Pans? By your lodge or touroperator or did you arrange it yourself?
Written May 19, 2018
We are going to Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in August. We would like to do a quad tour on the Salt Pan. I cannot find any organisation where I can book this. Does anybody know?
Written May 19, 2018
Am going to makgadikgadi salt pans around 20 August. Planning to sleep out under stars (jacks Camp) with 15 and 11 year old. How cold does it overnight - have heard can go below zero????
Written August 6, 2017
Not that cold. Maybe 45-50 degrees F at worst. Guides provide the most comfortable sleeping gear you can imagine for that environment--especially the hot water bottles! I was so toasty, I stripped down to my scivvies and slept like a lamb. You'll have a fire for the braai, and don't forget yo put the camp coals under your camp chair. Delightful heat!
Written August 17, 2017
Is it possible to do a self drive without a tour guide and how much do we pay to enter the park?
Written May 22, 2017
Yes, as far as I know you can do a self drive. entry is 140 bwp a day. Check before you travel though because prices and rules may change...
Written May 23, 2017
Are motorcycle allowed in the park? We can only carry limited supplies and were wondering if there was any lodging accommodation beside camping?
Written January 18, 2017
Motorcycles are allowed (we saw several while we were there). This is super wilderness and I did not see any lodging aside from camping.
Written January 27, 2017
Can anyone tell us what the wildlife would be like in mid October? We will be in Namibia and were thinking of taking 10 days in the Kalahari region to end the trip. Thanks
Written January 10, 2017
Hi,
I plan to visit Magkadigkadi National Park in month of Jan, is the rite time to visit?
Written December 3, 2016
We visited in August which is which is winter. The mornings were cold but the days were nice. W think that it was a great time to visit saw some game to including an aardvark!
Written December 8, 2016
Hello, everyone!
Does anybody know if this park has an official web-site? I want to find the answers to my questions. Maybe some of you can help me with that.
1. How much is the entrance ticket?
2. How much is the guide service?
3. How much is the night in the lodge?
4. What's the weather there in december?
5. How easy can you find there wild animals?
6. How many days you suggest to spend there?
Thank you in advance)
Written November 29, 2016
We used Uncharted Africa and stayed in SAN Camp for 3 nights. They have a variety of itineraries. Not a place to go on your own
They have a great program. We saw Meerkats, the very rare brown hyena as well as zebra, elephants etc. Also spent a morning with the local Khoisan.
Unfortunately Chapman's Baobab collapsed this year.
December I expect you will be in the start of the rainy season.
and e
If you Google 'flickr Mark_J_Wilson' and select the Albums tab there are photos from 3 days in SAN Camp
Written November 29, 2016
Hi Jenny, Did you drive yourself to the park? We are trying to go there in late November/early December. Can you please help me with some details. We means my husband and myself.
Best
Purobi
Written June 27, 2016
No. We booked through Uncharted Africa and stayed at Jack's Camp. They arranged Air Transport to the Camp. It really is the most practical way to get around Botswana.
Written June 27, 2016
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